Bird flu detected in Merri-bek

26 Aug 2026

Victorian Government has advised that H5 bird flu was detected in Merri-bek.

The disease was detected in a single Greater Crested Tern – a large coastal sea bird – at a private property in Oak Park.

To date, detections in Victoria remain limited to wild birds, with no cases reported in poultry or agricultural settings.

The risk of bird flu to people in Australia remains low. Bird flu is not considered a food safety risk for chicken meat or eggs when they are handled and cooked correctly.

Please do not feed wild birds in public spaces or your backyard. Food stations cause birds to crowd closely together, which helps the deadly virus spread rapidly.

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What residents can do

Residents play an important role in helping authorities respond to bird flu, such as reporting suspected cases of bird flu.

Currently, reports should only be made for:

  • Clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.

A single sick or dead:

  • Wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
  • Marine mammal (e.g. seal, dolphin).

If you see a sick or dead birds or other wildlife, please follow the below steps. 

Avoid 

  • Stay away from sick or dead wild birds and wildlife. 
  • Avoid contact with feathers, eggs, droppings and surrounding areas. 
  • Keep pets away from affected wildlife and locations. 

Record

If it is safe to do so from a distance, please collect information that may assist investigators, including:

  • Date and time.
  • Location, such as an address, GPS pin or nearby landmarks.
  • Identification or description of the bird or animal. 
  • Number of animals affected.
  • Details of what was observed, including signs of illness, deaths or remains.

Report

Report wildlife sickness or deaths to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) via its online wildlife influenza reporting form or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Residents should report clusters of five or more sick or dead wild birds of any species anywhere in Victoria. 

Health information for pets

Dogs and cats

It is recommended that you take precautions when walking your dog(s) or allowing your pets outdoor access including: 

  • Keeping dogs on leads when walking. Leads may also be recommended in designated free roam areas if there is a perceived risk of exposure.  
  • Keeping cats indoors, or outdoors in effective cat enclosures.  
  • Keeping your pets away from sick or deceased birds or other animals, especially in coastal locations.  
  • Keeping your pets away from areas where birds congregate (such as water bodies) and areas where there are large amounts of bird droppings. 

Poultry and domestic birds

Council is encouraging poultry and bird owners to protect their animals from H5 bird flu.  

Recommended actions include: 

  • Consider temporary housing of poultry where practical.  
  • Use netting, fencing, roofing, or other barriers to prevent contact with wild birds and their droppings.  
  • Maintain clean poultry housing and aviaries, and keep feed and water sources inaccessible to wild birds.
  • Wear clean footwear and clothing when entering poultry areas, and wash hands before and after handling birds.  
  • Avoid unnecessary contact with other people’s poultry.  
  • Monitor birds closely and reporting signs of illness or unexplained deaths.  

A bird housing requirement is now in place for flocks of 50 or more birds across Merri-bek and other southern and coastal Victorian municipalities. The requirement means bird owners must house or confine their birds to prevent contact with wild birds and wildlife. 

Housing or enclosing birds is most effective when supported by strong biosecurity measures that minimise contact with wild birds and reduce the risk of disease transmission.  

More information 

Please note: The image associated with this news item is a generic outdoor space, and not the location where the case was found.